KATHMANDU: The government has advanced preparations to operate the ‘Blue Bus’ service, targeted at women, across all seven provinces.

In line with the government’s 100-day agenda, the preparation to run the free ‘Blue Bus’ service has been pushed forward to ensure a safe, convenient, and dignified public transit experience for women.

According to the action plan, the target is to bring at least 25 buses into operation within the first 100 days during the initial phase.

Under this initiative, a plan has been advanced to operate at least seven buses as ‘Blue Buses’ in the Kathmandu Valley in collaboration with Sajha Yatayat.

Furthermore, preparations are underway to operate at least 18 buses outside the Kathmandu Valley by coordinating with transport entrepreneurs’ associations in all provinces.

According to the Ministry, a draft proposal has already been received from Sajha Yatayat determining the necessary procedures, an action plan including timetables, itemized cost estimates, and operational responsibilities for running the Blue Bus service.

Based on the received proposal, the Ministry stated that necessary administrative and technical preparations are currently underway.

The Ministry added that continuous coordination is taking place with Sajha Yatayat to operate the Blue Bus service in the Kathmandu Valley.

A proposal prepared with various operational options has been submitted to the Ministry for a decision, and the necessary processes have been moved forward.

The government plans to gradually expand the Blue Bus service by prioritizing the safety of women and girls in public transport.

The Ministry stated that the necessary budget and programs have also been proposed to operate the Blue Bus service across all seven provinces in the upcoming fiscal year.

Once the Blue Bus service comes into operation, it is expected to provide a safe and comfortable travel environment, particularly for students, laborers, employees, and women who use public transport on a daily basis.

It is also believed that this will help minimize harassment and the feeling of insecurity in public transport.

CCTV and dashcams in public transport

Priority has been given to the installation of CCTV cameras and dashcams to control gender-based violence and crimes occurring in public transport.

According to the progress report, CCTV and dashcams have been successfully installed and brought into operation in 111 buses of Sajha Yatayat, 46 buses of Mahanagar Yatayat, and 3 buses of Panchpokhari Sunaulo Yatayat.

The Ministry stated that work is currently underway to expand these installations to other public transport vehicles as well.

Arrangements have been made for the monitoring to be done through the Traffic Police.

Furthermore, a draft of standards to make public vehicles technology-friendly, safe, and passenger-friendly has been prepared and sent to the Ministry for approval.